U.S. patent application number 17/267536 was filed with the patent office on 2021-10-14 for method and device for data transmission on board a watercraft.
This patent application is currently assigned to ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems GmbH. The applicant listed for this patent is thyssenkrupp AG, ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems GmbH. Invention is credited to Leonard Fisser, Martin Sommer.
Application Number | 20210316829 17/267536 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005725838 |
Filed Date | 2021-10-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210316829 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sommer; Martin ; et
al. |
October 14, 2021 |
METHOD AND DEVICE FOR DATA TRANSMISSION ON BOARD A WATERCRAFT
Abstract
A method and a device can be used to transmit data onboard a
watercraft using an onboard power supply network. A central control
unit generates an instruction for a first consumer module. The
instruction is transmitted from the central control unit via a
first control unit-head station data connection to a first head
station. The first head station converts the instruction into an
instruction signal that is transmittable via the power supply
network. The instruction signal is transmitted from the first head
station via a first head station-power line data connection, the
power supply network, and a first coupling module-power line data
connection to a first coupling module. From the instruction signal,
the first coupling module again generates an instruction that can
be transmitted via a data connection. The instruction is
transmitted from the first coupling module via a first coupling
module-consumer data connection to the first consumer module.
Inventors: |
Sommer; Martin; (Hamburg,
DE) ; Fisser; Leonard; (Hamburg, DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems GmbH
thyssenkrupp AG |
Kiel
Essen |
|
DE
DE |
|
|
Assignee: |
ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems
GmbH
Kiel
DE
thyssenkrupp AG
Essen
DE
|
Family ID: |
1000005725838 |
Appl. No.: |
17/267536 |
Filed: |
August 30, 2019 |
PCT Filed: |
August 30, 2019 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2019/073196 |
371 Date: |
February 10, 2021 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G05B 2219/2637 20130101;
H04B 3/548 20130101; H04B 2203/5445 20130101; B63B 79/40 20200101;
H04B 3/542 20130101; G05B 19/042 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B63B 79/40 20060101
B63B079/40; G05B 19/042 20060101 G05B019/042; H04B 3/54 20060101
H04B003/54 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 5, 2018 |
DE |
10 2018 215 086.9 |
Claims
1.-16. (canceled)
17. A watercraft comprising: a first controllable electrical
consumer module configured to process an instruction; a central
control unit configured to generate the instruction for the first
controllable electrical consumer module; a power supply network
configured to supply electricity to the first controllable
electrical consumer module; and a data connection system including
a first head station, a first coupling module, a first control
unit-head station data connection between the central control unit
and the first head station, wherein the first head station is
configured to convert the instruction that is transmitted via the
first control unit-head station data connection into an instruction
signal that is transmittable via the power supply network, a first
head station-power line data connection between the first head
station and the power supply network, a first coupling module-power
line data connection between the first coupling module and the
power supply network, and a first coupling module-consumer data
connection between the first coupling module and the first
controllable electrical consumer module, wherein the first coupling
module is configured to convert the instruction signal transmitted
via the power supply network into the instruction that is
transmittable via one or more of the data connections, wherein the
watercraft is configured to transmit: the instruction from the
central control unit via the first control unit-head station data
connection to the first head station, the instruction as the
instruction signal from the first head station via the first head
station-power line data connection, the power supply network, and
the first coupling module-power line data connection to the first
coupling module, and the instruction from the first coupling module
via the first coupling module-consumer data connection to the first
controllable electrical consumer module.
18. The watercraft of claim 17 wherein the first controllable
electrical consumer module is configured to generate a message for
the central control unit, wherein the central control unit is
configured to process the message, wherein the first coupling
module is configured to convert the message that is transmitted via
the first control unit-head station data connection to the first
coupling module into a message signal that is transmittable via the
power supply network, wherein the first head station is configured
to convert the message signal transmitted via the power supply
network into the message that is transmittable via one of the data
connections, wherein the watercraft is configured to transmit the
message: from the first controllable electrical consumer module via
the first coupling module-consumer data connection to the first
coupling module; as the message signal from the first coupling
module via the first coupling module-power line data connection,
the power supply network, and the first head station-power line
data connection to the first head station; and from the first head
station via the first control unit-head station data connection to
the central control unit.
19. The watercraft of claim 17 wherein the data connection system
comprises: a second head station arranged parallel to the first
head station, wherein the second head station is configured to
convert the instruction that is transmitted via one of the data
connections to the second head station into the instruction signal
that is transmittable via the power supply network; a second
control unit-head station data connection between the central
control unit and the second head station, and a second head
station-power line data connection between the second head station
and the power supply network, wherein the watercraft is configured
to transmit: the instruction from the central control unit via the
second control unit-head station data connection to the second head
station, and the instruction as the instruction signal from the
second head station via the second head station-power line data
connection, the power supply network, and the first coupling
module-power line data connection to the first coupling module.
20. The watercraft of claim 19 wherein the data connection system
comprises a data connection control unit configured to: select and
activate one of the head stations if both the first head station
and the second head station are operational; activate the first
head station if the second head station has failed or activate the
second head station if the first head station has failed; and set
up a first data connection between the central control unit and the
first controllable electrical consumer module by incorporating the
power supply network, the activated respective head station, and
the first coupling module.
21. The watercraft of claim 20 wherein the data connection control
unit is configured to activate the other head station if the
activated head station fails after the first data connection is set
up; and set up a second data connection between the central control
unit and the first controllable electrical consumer module by
incorporating the power supply network, the activated other head
station, and the first coupling module.
22. The watercraft of claim 20 wherein the first head station
comprises a first data connection control unit and the second head
station comprises a second data connection control unit, wherein
each data connection control unit is configured: to activate the
respective head station; and to set up a first data connection
between the central control unit and the first controllable
electrical consumer module by incorporating the power supply
network, the respective activated head station, and the first
coupling module.
23. The watercraft of claim 17 comprising a second controllable
electrical consumer module, wherein the data connection system
comprises: a second coupling module; a second coupling module-power
line data connection between the second coupling module and the
power supply network; and a second coupling module-consumer data
connection between the second coupling module and the second
electrical consumer module, wherein the second coupling module is
configured to convert the instruction signal transmitted via the
power supply network into the instruction that is transmittable via
one of the data connections, wherein the central control unit is
configured to generate an instruction automatically for the second
controllable electrical consumer module, wherein the second
controllable electrical consumer module is configured to process a
received instruction automatically, wherein the watercraft is
configured to transmit: the instruction from the central control
unit via the first control unit-head station data connection to the
first head station; to transmit the instruction as the instruction
signal from the first head station via the first head station-power
line data connection, the power supply network, and the second
coupling module-power line data connection to the second
controllable electrical consumer module, and to transmit the
instruction from the second coupling module via the second coupling
module-consumer data connection to the second controllable
electrical consumer module.
24. The watercraft of claim 17 wherein the first controllable
electrical consumer module and the first coupling module are
configured as components of a first assembly, wherein the first
assembly is detachably connected to the power supply network.
25. The watercraft of claim 17 wherein the first controllable
electrical consumer module comprises a local control unit and a
first electrical consumer, wherein the first coupling
module-consumer data connection connects the first coupling module
to the local control unit, wherein the local control unit is
configured to control the first electrical consumer depending on
the instruction from the central control unit.
26. The watercraft of claim 17: wherein the data connection system
comprises: a fieldbus master, and a first fieldbus slave; wherein
the first control unit-head station data connection comprises: a
control unit-fieldbus data connection between the central control
unit and the fieldbus master, and a first fieldbus-head station
data connection between the fieldbus master and the first head
station; wherein the first coupling module-consumer data connection
comprises: a first coupling module-fieldbus data connection between
the first coupling module and the first fieldbus slave, and a first
slave-consumer data connection between the first fieldbus slave and
the first controllable electrical consumer module; wherein the
control unit-fieldbus data connection, the first fieldbus-head
station data connection, the first head station-power line data
connection, a part of the power supply network, the first coupling
module-power line data connection, and the first coupling
module-fieldbus data connection together provide a fieldbus
connection between the fieldbus master and the first fieldbus
slave; wherein the fieldbus master is configured to convert the
instruction transmitted via a data connection into a fieldbus
instruction; wherein the first fieldbus slave is configured to
convert the transmitted fieldbus instruction into the instruction
transmittable via one of the data connections; wherein the
watercraft is configured to transmit: the instruction from the
central control unit via the control unit-fieldbus data connection
to the fieldbus master, the instruction as the fieldbus instruction
via the provided fieldbus connection from the fieldbus master to
the first fieldbus slave, and the instruction from the first
fieldbus slave via the first slave-consumer data connection to the
first controllable electrical consumer module.
27. The watercraft of claim 26 wherein the first controllable
electrical consumer module, the first coupling module, and the
first fieldbus slave are configured as components of a first
assembly, wherein the first assembly is detachably connected to the
power supply network.
28. The watercraft of claim 26 wherein the first fieldbus slave is
integrated into the first coupling module.
29. The watercraft of claim 17 comprising a voltage source that: is
electrically connected to the power supply network; and is
configured to supply electricity to the first controllable
electrical consumer module and to the central control unit, the
first head station, and the first coupling module via the power
supply network.
30. The watercraft of claim 17 comprising a first energy storage
device configured to supply electricity to the first coupling
module, the first energy storage device being assigned to the first
controllable electrical consumer module.
31. A method for transmitting an instruction from a central control
unit to a first controllable electrical consumer module, with the
method being performed on a watercraft that comprises a central
control unit, a first consumer module, a power supply network, and
a data connection system that comprises: a first head station; a
first coupling module; a first control unit-head station data
connection between the central control unit and the first head
station; a first head station-power line data connection between
the first head station and the power supply network; a first
coupling module-power line data connection between the first
coupling module and the power supply network; and a first coupling
module-consumer data connection between the first coupling module
and the first consumer module, wherein the method comprises:
supplying electricity to the first consumer module by way of the
power supply network; automatically generating with the central
control unit an instruction that is transmitted to the first
consumer module, wherein transmitting the instruction from the
central control unit to the first consumer module comprises:
transmitting the instruction from the central control unit via the
first control unit-head station data connection to the first head
station, converting with the first head station the received
instruction into an instruction signal that is transmittable via
the power supply network, transmitting the instruction signal from
the first head station via the first head station-power line data
connection, the power supply network, and the first coupling
module-power line data connection to the first coupling module,
reconstructing with the first coupling module the instruction from
the transmitted instruction signal such that the instruction is
transmittable via a data connection, and transmitting the
reconstructed instruction from the first coupling module via the
first coupling module-consumer data connection to the first
consumer module; and automatically processing with the first
consumer module the instruction that has been received.
32. The method of claim 31 wherein the data connection system
comprises: a fieldbus master, and a first fieldbus slave; wherein
the first control unit-head station data connection comprises: a
control unit-fieldbus data connection between the central control
unit and the fieldbus master, and a first fieldbus-head station
data connection between the fieldbus master and the first head
station; wherein the first coupling module-consumer data connection
comprises: a first coupling module-fieldbus data connection between
the first coupling module and the first fieldbus slave, and a first
slave-consumer data connection between the first fieldbus slave and
the first consumer module, wherein the control unit-fieldbus data
connection, the first fieldbus-head station data connection, the
first head station-power line data connection, a part of the power
supply network, the first coupling module-power line data
connection, and the first coupling module-fieldbus data connection
together provide a fieldbus connection between the fieldbus master
and the first fieldbus slave, wherein transmitting the instruction
from the central control unit to the first consumer module
comprises: transmitting the instruction from the central control
unit to the fieldbus master, converting with the fieldbus master
the instruction into a fieldbus instruction, transmitting the
fieldbus instruction via a part of the fieldbus connection to the
first head station, converting with the first head station the
received fieldbus instruction into a fieldbus instruction signal
that is transmittable via the power supply network, transmitting
the fieldbus instruction signal from the first head station to the
first coupling module via the part of the fieldbus connection
belonging to the power supply network, converting with the first
coupling module the fieldbus instruction signal received via the
power supply network into the fieldbus instruction transmittable
via one of the data connections, transmitting the fieldbus
instruction via the part of the fieldbus connection to the first
fieldbus slave, converting with the first fieldbus slave the
fieldbus instruction into the instruction that is transmittable via
one of the data connections, and transmitting the instruction from
the first fieldbus slave via the first slave-consumer data
connection to the first electrical consumer module.
Description
[0001] The invention relates to a method and a device for data
transmission on board a watercraft using an on-board power supply
network.
[0002] A data exchange via a power supply network having AC power
lines is described in WO 94/01949 A2. The methods and devices
described there can be used, for example, on board a warship.
[0003] The object of the invention is to provide a watercraft
having the features of the preamble to claim 1 and a method having
the features of the preamble to claim 15, the electrical components
of which can be connected and maintained with less effort than in
the case of known watercraft and methods.
[0004] This object is achieved by a watercraft having the features
indicated in claim 1 and a method having the features indicated in
claim 15. Advantageous developments can be found in the subclaims,
the following description and drawings.
[0005] The watercraft according to the invention comprises: [0006]
a first electrical consumer module, [0007] a central control unit,
[0008] a power supply network, and [0009] a data connection
system.
[0010] The data connection system comprises: [0011] a first head
station, [0012] a first coupling module, [0013] a first control
unit-head station data connection, [0014] a first head
station-power line data connection, [0015] a first coupling
module-power line data connection, and [0016] a first coupling
module-consumer data connection.
[0017] The first control unit-head station data connection at least
temporarily provides a data connection between the central control
unit and the first head station. The first head station-power line
data connection at least temporarily provides a data connection
between the first head station and the power supply network. The
first coupling module-power line data connection at least
temporarily provides a data connection between the first coupling
module and the power supply network. The first coupling
module-consumer data connection at least temporarily provides a
data connection between the first coupling module and the first
electrical consumer module.
[0018] The power supply network is capable of supplying electricity
to the first consumer module. The central control unit is capable
of automatically generating an instruction for the first consumer
module. The watercraft is capable of transmitting this instruction
from the central control unit automatically to the first consumer
module. The first consumer module can be controlled externally and
is capable of automatically processing the received
instruction.
[0019] The watercraft is capable of transmitting the instruction
from the central control unit to the first consumer module in the
following manner: [0020] The instruction is transmitted from the
central control unit via the first control unit-head station data
connection to the first head station. [0021] The first head station
converts the instruction which was transmitted via this data
connection into an instruction signal. This instruction signal can
be transmitted via the power supply network. [0022] The instruction
is transmitted in the form of the instruction signal from the first
head station to the first coupling module in the following manner:
from the first head station via the first head station-power line
data connection, via the power supply network and via the first
coupling module-power line data connection to the first coupling
module. [0023] From the instruction signal, the first coupling
module again generates an instruction which can be transmitted via
a data connection. [0024] The instruction is transmitted from the
first coupling module via the first coupling module-consumer data
connection to the first electrical consumer module.
[0025] The power supply network is therefore connected in a first
connection point to the first head station and in a second
connection point to the first coupling module. A physical distance
occurs between these two connection points. The two connection
points are electrically interconnected by means of the power supply
network.
[0026] The term "data connection" refers to a connection which is
suitable for transmitting data, but is not necessarily suitable for
supplying an electrical consumer with power. A data connection of
this type is normally implemented by means of a special data line
or a wireless data connection. The data connection can be a
point-to-point connection or a data connection to which a plurality
of transmitters and/or receivers are connected, for example a data
bus.
[0027] According to the solution, a command is transmitted only
partially via special data connections from the central control
unit to the first consumer module. Conversely, the command is
transmitted partially via the power supply network via which the
first consumer module and, if required, further consumer modules
and also the central control unit and the data connection system
devices are supplied with power.
[0028] According to the solution, the power supply network
therefore performs two tasks: power supply and additionally data
transmission. Thanks to this feature, fewer special data
connections are required. One special data connection is required
in each case between the central control unit and the first head
station and between the first coupling module and the first
consumer module, but not between the first head station and the
first coupling module. Instead, the power supply network connects
the first head station to the first coupling module and provides a
data transmission channel.
[0029] The invention can be used, in particular, with particularly
substantial benefit if a relatively long distance occurs between
the central control unit and the first consumer module. Thanks to
the invention, it is possible to arrange the first head station
physically close to the central control unit, and the first
coupling module physically close to the first consumer module. As a
result, the special data connections in each case need to bridge a
relatively short distance only.
[0030] This enables the first consumer module and the first
coupling module to be designed as components of a first assembly.
This first assembly can be connected, preferably detachably, to the
power supply network. A data transmission from the central control
unit to the first consumer module is simultaneously enabled by
connecting this first assembly to the power supply network. There
is no need to set up a special data connection in addition to the
connection of the assembly to the power supply network. In
particular, no additional cabling is required. The invention
therefore reduces the manual effort required to connect the first
consumer module. Furthermore, fewer coupling points, in particular
fewer plug-in connectors, are required in order to connect the
first consumer module to both the power supply network and the
central control unit.
[0031] A further advantage of the invention is as follows: thanks
to the first head station and the first coupling module according
to the solution, the central control unit and the first consumer
module can be implemented regardless of whether the data
transmission is performed exclusively via special data connections
or partially via special data connections and partially via the
power supply network. In particular, there is no need to adapt the
central control unit or a consumer module to a data transmission
via a power supply network. The invention therefore results in
fewer restrictions in the design of the first head station and the
first coupling module.
[0032] According to the solution, the instruction is transmitted
from the first head station to the first coupling module via the
power supply network. A frequency for a data transmission is
preferably modulated here onto the power supply network and a data
transmission channel is thereby provided on the power supply
network without requiring a special data connection. The frequency
for the data transmission on the power supply network is preferably
below 1 MHz, particularly preferably below 500 kHz. This design
results in a relatively low electromagnetic radiation, which is
often unwanted, particularly on board a watercraft.
[0033] According to the solution, the instruction is transmitted
partially via the power supply network and partially via special
data connections from the central control unit to the first
consumer module. In one design, the power supply network is
grounded, i.e. electrically connected to the ground of the
watercraft, thereby providing a reference voltage potential, in
particular a zero potential. Fault current monitoring automatically
ensures that a crew member of the watercraft is never at risk, even
if this crew member has touched the power supply network.
Conversely, thanks to the invention, the special data connections
can be designed as ungrounded data connections. Thanks to the
connection to the voltage supply network, a reference voltage
potential is nevertheless provided. This design enables automatic
fault current monitoring to be ensured and the isolations to be
remotely monitored for the entire data connection.
[0034] According to the solution, an instruction can be transmitted
from the central control unit to the first electrical consumer
module. In one design, the first consumer module is capable of
automatically generating a message and the central control unit is
capable of automatically processing this message. This message can
be transmitted from the first consumer module to the central
control unit, wherein the power supply network is similarly used
for this purpose. In order to transmit the message to the central
control unit, the data connection system is used in the opposite
direction compared with the transmission of the instruction to the
first consumer module. In this design, the components of the data
connection system are designed as bidirectional.
[0035] The message is transmitted from the first consumer module to
the central control unit only partially via a special data
connection. According to this design, the message is transmitted
from the first consumer module to the central control unit in the
following manner: [0036] The message is transmitted from the first
consumer module via the first coupling module-consumer data
connection to the first coupling module. [0037] The first coupling
module converts the message which was transmitted via this data
connection into a message signal. This message signal can be
transmitted via the power supply network. [0038] The message is
transmitted in the form of the message signal from the first
coupling module via the first coupling module-power line data
connection, the power supply network and the first head
station-power line data connection to the first head station.
[0039] The first head station again converts the message signal
which was transmitted via the power supply network into a message
which can be transmitted via a data connection. [0040] This message
is transmitted from the first head station via the first control
unit-head station data connection to the central control unit.
[0041] In one design, the data connection system comprises a second
head station which is arranged parallel to the first head station.
The data connection system further comprises: [0042] a second
control unit-head station data connection, and [0043] a second head
station-power line data connection.
[0044] The second control unit-head station data connection at
least temporarily provides a data connection between the central
control unit and the second head station. The second head
station-power line data connection at least temporarily provides a
data connection between the second head station and the power
supply network.
[0045] According to this design, an instruction can be transmitted
from the central control unit not only via the first head station,
but also via the second head station to the first consumer module,
preferably electively via either the first head station or the
second head station. If the second head station is used, the
instruction is transmitted in the following manner: [0046] The
instruction is transmitted from the central control unit via the
second control unit-head station data connection to the second head
station. [0047] The second head station converts the instruction
which was transmitted via this data connection into an instruction
signal. This instruction signal can be transmitted via the power
supply network. [0048] The instruction is transmitted in the form
of the instruction signal from the second head station to the first
coupling module in the following manner: from the second head
station via the second head station-power line data connection, via
the power supply network and via the first coupling module-power
line data connection to the first coupling module. [0049] From the
instruction signal, the first coupling module again generates an
instruction which can be transmitted via a data connection. [0050]
The instruction is transmitted from the first coupling module via
the first coupling module-consumer data connection to the first
electrical consumer module.
[0051] This design provides redundancy. One head station is
sufficient to guarantee the data exchange between the central
control unit and the first consumer module via the first coupling
module. The other head station is on standby and is preferably
supplied continuously with power. If the currently used head
station fails, the data connection system can automatically switch
over rapidly to the other head station. The data exchange is
interrupted for a short time only. It is not necessary to set up a
data connection or a connection to the power supply network only
after the failure of a head station, which takes time.
[0052] In one development of this design with the second head
station, the data connection system comprises at least one data
connection control unit. The or each data connection control unit
is capable of automatically operating as follows: [0053] If both
the first head station and the second head station are operational,
the data connection control unit selects one of these two head
stations and activates the selected head station. [0054] If one
head station has failed and only the other head station is
operational, the data connection control unit activates the other,
i.e. the operational, head station. [0055] In both cases, the data
connection control unit sets up a first data connection between the
central control unit and the first consumer module. This first data
connection is set up by incorporating the power supply network, the
activated head station and the first coupling module. An
instruction and a message can be transmitted via this first data
connection.
[0056] In one preferred design, the first coupling module and,
where appropriate, further coupling modules for further electrical
consumer modules register automatically with the head station which
is activated or is to be activated. This eliminates the need to
store information in each head station in advance indicating which
coupling modules are to be connected to this head station. Stored
information of this type may be outdated. Instead, the coupling
modules which are currently to be connected to the head station
which is to be activated or is activated are automatically
determined, and this information is stored and updated
automatically as required.
[0057] In one design, the or each data connection control unit is
capable of automatically establishing that the activated head
station has failed after the first data connection is set up. In
response thereto, the data connection control unit is capable of
activating the other head station--but obviously only if the other
head station is operational. The or each other data connection
control unit is capable of setting up a second data connection
between the central control unit and the first consumer module.
This second data connection comprises the power supply network, the
activated other head station and the first coupling module.
[0058] In one design, the first head station comprises a first data
connection control unit. The second head station comprises a second
data connection control unit. Each data connection control unit is
capable of performing the steps described above. In particular, the
first data connection control unit is capable of setting up a data
connection between the central control unit and the first coupling
module by incorporating the first head station.
[0059] The second data connection control unit is capable of
setting up a further data connection between the central control
unit and the second coupling module by incorporating the second
head station. This design ensures that, if one head station fails,
switchover to the other head station takes place without an
external manual or automatic adjustment intervention being required
for this purpose. In particular, no adjustment intervention is
required on the part of the central control unit in order to switch
over to the other, operational head station. Time is thereby
saved.
[0060] Each data connection control unit is preferably capable of
establishing whether the other head station and therefore the other
data connection control unit is operational or has failed. If each
data connection control unit establishes that the other head
station and therefore the other data connection control unit is
operational, one head station is selected and activated in
accordance with a predefined rule. If one data connection control
unit establishes that the other data connection control unit has
failed, for example does not respond to a query, this data
connection control unit sets up a data connection.
[0061] In one design, the watercraft additionally comprises a
second electrical consumer module. The data connection system
additionally comprises: [0062] a second coupling module, [0063] a
second coupling module-power line data connection, and [0064] a
second coupling module-consumer data connection.
[0065] The second coupling module-power line data connection at
least temporarily provides a data connection between the second
coupling module and the power supply network. The second coupling
module-consumer data connection at least temporarily provides a
data connection between the second coupling module and the second
electrical consumer module.
[0066] The central control unit is capable of generating an
instruction for the second consumer module. The second consumer
module is capable of automatically processing a received
instruction. The watercraft is capable of transmitting this
instruction from the central control unit to the second consumer
module in the following manner: [0067] The instruction is
transmitted from the central control unit via the first control
unit-head station data connection to the first head station. [0068]
The first head station converts the instruction which was
transmitted via this data connection into an instruction signal.
This instruction signal can be transmitted via the power supply
network. [0069] The instruction is transmitted in the form of the
instruction signal from the first head station to the second
coupling module in the following manner: from the first head
station via the first head station-power line data connection, via
the power supply network and via the second coupling module-power
line data connection to the second coupling module. [0070] From the
instruction signal, the second coupling module again generates an
instruction which can be transmitted via a data connection. [0071]
The instruction is transmitted from the second coupling module via
the second coupling module-consumer data connection to the second
electrical consumer module.
[0072] According to this design, the same first head station can
enable a data transmission from the central control unit to a
plurality of parallel-arranged electrical consumer modules in each
case via an assigned coupling module.
[0073] This design with the second electrical consumer module can
be combined with the design in which a, preferably redundant,
second head station is provided parallel to the first head station.
The instruction from the central control unit to the second
consumer module is then transmitted via either the first head
station or the second head station.
[0074] The first consumer module and the first coupling module are
preferably designed as components of a first assembly. This first
assembly can be detachably connected to the power supply network.
By connecting the first assembly to the power supply network, a
data connection is simultaneously enabled between the first
consumer module and the central control unit, wherein this data
connection uses the power supply network. The second consumer
module and the second coupling module can be designed accordingly
as a component of a second assembly.
[0075] In one design, the first consumer module comprises a local
control unit and a first electrical consumer. The first coupling
module-consumer data connection at least temporarily sets up a data
connection between the first coupling module and the local control
unit. An instruction can be transmitted from the central control
unit to the local control unit of the first consumer module by
means of this data connection. The local control unit is capable of
controlling the first electrical consumer, depending on a
transmitted instruction from the central control unit. It is
possible for the aforementioned first assembly to comprise the
first electrical consumer and the local control unit in addition to
the first coupling module.
[0076] In one design, the instruction can be transmitted from the
central control unit by means of a fieldbus connection to the first
consumer module. The data connection system additionally comprises:
[0077] a fieldbus master, and [0078] a first fieldbus slave.
[0079] The first control unit-head station data connection
comprises two individual data connections, i.e.: [0080] a control
unit-fieldbus data connection, and [0081] a first fieldbus-head
station data connection.
[0082] The first coupling module-consumer data connection similarly
comprises two individual data connections, i.e.: [0083] a first
coupling module-fieldbus data connection, and [0084] a first
slave-consumer data connection.
[0085] The control unit-fieldbus data connection at least
temporarily provides a data connection between the central control
unit and the fieldbus master. The first fieldbus-head station data
connection at least temporarily provides a data connection between
the fieldbus master and the first head station. The first coupling
module-fieldbus data connection at least temporarily provides a
data connection between the first coupling module and the first
fieldbus slave. The first slave-consumer data connection at least
temporarily provides a data connection between the first fieldbus
slave and the first electrical consumer module.
[0086] In this design, a fieldbus connection is provided between
the fieldbus master and the first fieldbus slave. This fieldbus
connection comprises the following components: [0087] the control
unit-fieldbus data connection, [0088] the first fieldbus-head
station data connection, [0089] the first head station-power line
data connection, [0090] the power supply network or a part of the
power supply network via which an instruction signal can be
transmitted, [0091] the first coupling module-power line data
connection, and [0092] the first coupling module-fieldbus data
connection.
[0093] According to this design, an instruction is transmitted from
the central control unit to the first consumer module in the
following manner: [0094] The instruction is transmitted from the
central control unit via the control unit-fieldbus data connection
to the fieldbus master. [0095] The fieldbus master converts an
instruction which was transmitted via this data connection into a
fieldbus instruction. This is an instruction which can be
transmitted via a fieldbus connection. [0096] This fieldbus
instruction is transmitted via the provided fieldbus connection
from the fieldbus master to the first fieldbus slave. The
components which this provided fieldbus connection has were listed
in the previous paragraph. The fieldbus connection uses the power
supply network. [0097] The first fieldbus slave converts the
fieldbus instruction which was transmitted via this fieldbus
connection into an instruction which can be transmitted via a data
connection which is not necessarily a fieldbus connection. [0098]
This instruction is transmitted from the first fieldbus slave via
the first slave-consumer data connection to the first electrical
consumer module.
[0099] A plurality of transmitters and/or a plurality of receivers
are normally connected to a fieldbus connection. Along with the
payload data, i.e. the actual instruction, a fieldbus instruction
therefore comprises information relating to the receiver and
optionally relating to the transmitter, and also optionally
information relating to the priority of the instruction and
optionally further transmission information.
[0100] It is possible for a message also to be transmitted from the
first consumer module by means of the first fieldbus slave and the
fieldbus master and therefore by means of this fieldbus connection
to the central control unit.
[0101] It is possible for a data connection to be set up between a
second fieldbus slave and the second consumer module and also the
second coupling module, and for a corresponding fieldbus connection
to be set up between the fieldbus master and the second fieldbus
slave.
[0102] The fieldbus connection of the design can be provided by a
fieldbus system. A fieldbus system is a tried and tested procedure
with standardized implementations for connecting a central control
unit to a controllable electrical consumer module and for enabling
a data exchange between these two devices. A fieldbus system
removes the need for point-to-point connections between different
devices of the watercraft. Standardized fieldbus transmission
methods and fieldbus devices which operate according to these
standardized transmission methods are available.
[0103] A fieldbus system of this type can be implemented
irrespective of whether the fieldbus master and the first fieldbus
slave are interconnected via a special data line or via a power
supply network. According to this design, the fieldbus connection
between the fieldbus master and the first fieldbus slave is
implemented by means of the power supply network without a data
connection necessarily being set up between the fieldbus master or
the first fieldbus slave and the power supply network. For the
fieldbus connection, it suffices for a data connection to be set up
between the fieldbus master and the or each head station and for a
data connection to be set up between the first fieldbus slave and
the first coupling module.
[0104] The fieldbus slave can be integrated into the first coupling
module. Alternatively, the first fieldbus slave and the first
coupling module together form a first structural unit.
[0105] In one design, in addition to the first coupling module and
the first consumer module, the first assembly also comprises the
first fieldbus slave. This first assembly can be detachably
connected to the power supply network, preferably to the part which
belongs to the fieldbus connection. The fieldbus connection can be
set up without additional cabling by connecting the first assembly
to the power supply network.
[0106] In one design, data are transmitted between the first head
station and the first coupling module exclusively via the power
supply network. Conversely, in an alternative design, this data
transmission is routed only partially via the power supply network
and partially via a special data connection. A signal to be
transmitted is removed from the power supply network at a removal
point and is fed back into the power supply network at a feed-in
point which is spatially distanced from the removal point. This
special data connection is used particularly if the power supply
network is subdivided into a first part and at least a second part,
wherein these two parts are galvanically isolated from one another.
The first head station is thereby also galvanically isolated from
the first coupling module. The first head station is connected to
the first part of the power supply network, and the second coupling
module is connected to the second part. The special data connection
bridges this galvanic isolation between the two parts and can
comprise a special intermediate module.
[0107] In one design, the watercraft comprises a first power supply
network and a second power supply network. Each power supply
network in each case comprises a head station which is connected to
the same central control unit, an electrical consumer module and a
coupling module which is connected to this consumer module. The
invention is implemented in each case at least once in both power
supply networks. The central control unit can issue an instruction
by means of the first power supply network to a consumer module or
by means of the second power supply network to a different consumer
module, or can issue the same instruction via both power supply
networks to both consumer modules.
[0108] In one design, the watercraft comprises at least one voltage
source of its own. This voltage source is electrically connected to
the power supply network and is capable of supplying electricity
via the power supply network to the first electrical consumer
module and optionally to further consumer modules which are
connected to the power supply network. The watercraft is capable of
operating autonomously thanks to this design.
[0109] In a different design, the watercraft is connected during
operation via a power connection, for example by a power cable, to
a further watercraft or to a different external platform and is
supplied with electrical energy via this power connection. This
design removes the need for a power source on board the
watercraft.
[0110] In one design, a first energy storage device is assigned to
the first consumer module and/or to the first coupling module. This
first energy storage device is capable of supplying electricity
temporarily to at least the first coupling module or to each
module. This first energy storage device is capable of maintaining
data communication between the central control unit and the first
consumer module even if the first coupling module is temporarily
disconnected from the voltage supply network and does not therefore
supply the first coupling module with power via the voltage supply
network. It is possible for this first energy storage device to
supply electricity additionally to a component of the first
consumer module, for example to a local control unit. In one
embodiment, the first energy storage device comprises a capacitor
and a voltage regulator. Thanks to the first energy storage device,
there is no need to provide a redundant additional voltage supply
for the first consumer module or for the first coupling module.
This would require additional cabling. Thanks to the first energy
storage device, the energy supply of the first consumer module
and/or the first coupling module is nevertheless ensured for a
certain time period.
[0111] In one design, the first head station is electrically
connected to the voltage supply network and additionally to an
emergency voltage supply network. This emergency voltage supply
network comprises an uninterruptible voltage supply. The situation
in which the first head station is no longer supplied from the
voltage supply network is preferably detected automatically and a
switchover to the emergency voltage supply network with the
uninterruptible voltage supply takes place automatically. This
design ensures that electricity is supplied to the first head
station even if the supply from the voltage supply network fails or
is interrupted. It is possible for the first coupling module also
to be electrically connected to this emergency voltage supply.
[0112] The watercraft according to the solution can be a surface
vehicle or an underwater vehicle. The watercraft can have its own
drive, for example an electric motor, or can be without its own
drive. The first electrical consumer module can comprise any type
of electrical consumer which can be externally controlled, in
particular a hatch having its own hatch drive, a valve having its
own valve drive, a drive mechanism for a movable component of the
watercraft, a local control unit, a sensor or an actuator, e.g. a
gripper. The electrical consumer module can modify its state, for
example the position of a component, in response to receiving the
instruction. It is also possible for the electrical consumer module
to transmit a sensor value to the central control unit in response
to the instruction.
[0113] The watercraft according to the invention is described in
detail below with reference to the example embodiment shown in the
drawings, wherein:
[0114] FIG. 1 shows a circuit diagram for a section of the network,
wherein the section comprises a central control unit, two head
stations, two coupling modules and two consumer modules;
[0115] FIG. 2 is a signal flow diagram illustrating the
transmission of an instruction from the central control unit to the
first consumer module and the transmission of a message from the
first consumer module to the central control unit;
[0116] FIG. 3 is a signal flow diagram showing the signal flows
within the first PLC coordinator;
[0117] FIG. 4 shows a state transition diagram for the two parallel
head stations.
[0118] In the example embodiment, the invention is used on board a
military surface vessel or an underwater vessel. This watercraft
has a multiplicity of electrically driven drive mechanisms, e.g.
drive mechanisms for hatches or for valves or for other movable
components, and also further electrical consumers, e.g. signal
lamps, sensors, control units and also routers and other network
components. The or at least some of the electrical consumers are
electrically supplied with 115 V or 230 V and 60 Hz AC current or
with 24 V DC current according to the NATO standard STANAG 1008
edition 9.
[0119] In one design, an on-board source of electrical energy, e.g.
a battery system, a fuel cell system or a generator, generates
current in a voltage other than that required by the consumers, and
a converter, e.g. a rectifier or an inverter, generates the current
with the voltage and, where appropriate, with the frequency at
which the or some electrical consumers require the power.
[0120] A plurality of electrical consumers are combined in each
case into a group of electrical consumers. This group of consumers
is referred to below as a network segment. Each network segment is
galvanically isolated from the main supply network. High-frequency
data signals which occur during a data transmission in one network
segment are prevented through suitable measures from being injected
into a different network segment.
[0121] Each network segment comprises a plurality of consumer
assemblies. Each consumer assembly in each case comprises at least
one electrical consumer, e.g. a final control element or a signal
lamp, optionally a local control unit and a coupling module which
is explained below. Each consumer assembly can be connected and
exchanged independently from any other consumer assembly. Each
consumer assembly is connected to the on-board power supply network
and is thereby supplied with power in the required voltage. The
coupling module comprises a detachable electrical connection, e.g.
an electrical plug-in connector which can be inserted into a
corresponding socket, or conversely a socket for a plug-in
connector.
[0122] Each network segment further comprises two parallel-arranged
and redundantly designed head stations. Each head station alone is
capable of performing the entire work described below for the
network segment on its own. In the example embodiment, each
consumer assembly preferably further comprises a storage device for
electrical energy. This energy storage device increases operational
reliability in the event of an interruption in the voltage supply,
as will be explained below.
[0123] A section of the on-board power supply network is shown by
way of example in FIG. 1 [0124] shows a circuit diagram for a
section of the network, wherein the section comprises a central
control unit, two head stations, two coupling modules and two
consumer modules;
[0125] This section shows, by way of example, a network segment
having two parallel-arranged consumer assemblies. The following
components are shown: [0126] two parallel-arranged voltage sources
1.1 and 1.2 which supply DC voltage in the example embodiment,
wherein the first voltage source 1.1 is currently disconnected from
the network, [0127] a first DC voltage converter 2.1 which converts
DC current from the voltage source 1.2, [0128] a second voltage
converter 2.2 which converts DC current from the first voltage
source 1.1 or from the first DC voltage converter 2.1 into AC
current at 115 or 230 V and 60 Hz, [0129] a third DC voltage
converter 2.3 which converts DC current from the first voltage
source 1.1 or from the first DC voltage converter 2.1 into DC
current at 24 V, [0130] two parallel-arranged head stations 3.1 and
3.2, [0131] a first consumer assembly 4.1 having a hatch 4.2, a
drive mechanism 4.3 for the hatch 4.2, a first coupling module 4.4,
a first local control unit 4.5 and a first energy storage device
(not shown), [0132] a second consumer module 5.1 having a signal
lamp 5.2, a second coupling module 5.3, a second local control unit
5.4 and second energy storage device (not shown), [0133] a central
control unit 10 which is responsible for this network segment and
preferably for at least one further network segment, and [0134] a
fieldbus master 11 which is responsible for the network segment
with the two consumer assemblies 4.1 and 5.1.
[0135] Each head station 3.1, 3.2 in each case comprises one PLC
coordinator 16.1, 16.2. PLC means "Power Line Communication". Each
PLC coordinator 16.1, 16.2 in each case comprises one PLC control
unit 12.1, 12.2 and one PLC modem 13.1, 13.2. Each coupling module
4.4, 5.3 in each case comprises one PLC client 14.1, 14.2 and one
fieldbus slave 15.1, 15.2.
[0136] FIG. 1 shows a circuit diagram for a section of the network,
wherein the section comprises a central control unit, two head
stations, two coupling modules and two consumer modules;
[0137] shows the following components of a data connection system:
[0138] the fieldbus master 11, [0139] the first head station 3.1
having the first PLC coordinator 16.1, [0140] the second head
station 3.2 having the second PLC coordinator 16.2, [0141] the
first coupling module 4.4 having the first PLC client 14.1 and the
first fieldbus slave 15.1, [0142] the second coupling module 5.3
having the second PLC client 14.2 and the second fieldbus slave
15.2, [0143] a control unit-fieldbus data connection 21.1 which
connects the central control unit 10 to the fieldbus master 11,
[0144] a first fieldbus-head station data connection 21.2 which
connects the fieldbus master 11 to the first PLC coordinator 16.1
and is designed as a fieldbus connection, [0145] a second
fieldbus-head station data connection 21.3 which connects the
fieldbus master 11 to the second PLC coordinator 16.2 and is
designed as a fieldbus connection, [0146] a first head
station-power supply network data connection 21.4 which connects
the first PLC coordinator 16.1 to the first part 20.1 of the power
supply network and is designed as a fieldbus connection, [0147] a
second head station-power supply network data connection 21.5 which
connects the second PLC coordinator 16.2 to the first part 20.1 of
the power supply network and is designed as a fieldbus connection,
[0148] a first coupling module-fieldbus data connection 21.6 which
connects the first PLC client 14.1 to the first fieldbus slave 15.1
and is designed as a fieldbus connection, [0149] a first
slave-consumer data connection 21.7 which connects the first
fieldbus slave 15.1 to the first local control unit 4.5, [0150] a
second coupling module-fieldbus data connection 21.8 which connects
the second PLC client 14.2 to the second fieldbus slave 15.2 and is
designed as a fieldbus connection, [0151] a second slave-consumer
data connection 21.9 which connects the second fieldbus slave 15.2
to the second local control unit 5.4, [0152] a first coupling
module-power line data connection 21.10 which connects the PLC
client 14.1 to the first part 20.1 of the power supply network, and
[0153] a second coupling module-power line data connection 21.11
which connects the PLC client 14.2 to the first part 20.1 of the
power supply network.
[0154] In FIG. 1 shows a circuit diagram for a section of the
network, wherein the section comprises a central control unit, two
head stations, two coupling modules and two consumer modules;
[0155] electrical connections which are used for the voltage supply
are shown with continuous lines and data connections are shown with
dashed lines. The second voltage source 1.2 supplies the electrical
consumers 4.3 and 5.2, the central control unit 10, the fieldbus
master 11, the two head stations 3.1 and 3.2 and also the two
coupling modules 4.4 and 5.3 and the two local control units 4.5,
5.4 with the respectively required power.
[0156] The two head stations 3.1 and 3.2 are arranged parallel to
one another. If both head stations 3.1 and 3.2 are operational, one
head station is active and the other head station is on standby. In
the following description, the first head station 3.1 is the active
head station, unless otherwise indicated.
[0157] The central control unit 10 is capable of controlling each
electrical consumer 4.3 and 5.2 and, conversely, of receiving and
processing status messages from the electrical consumers 4.3 and
5.2. Data are thus transmitted in both directions between the
central control unit 10 and the electrical consumers 4.3 and 5.2.
The central control unit 10 is connected via a data bus at least to
the or each fieldbus master 11. In the example embodiment, data are
transmitted according to a fieldbus standard.
[0158] The energy storage device of the first consumer assembly 4.1
ensures a data transmission between the central control unit 10 and
the local control unit 4.5 even if the central voltage supply of
the first consumer assembly 4.1 from a voltage source 1.1 or 1.2 is
suddenly interrupted. The first energy storage device supplies at
least the first coupling module 4.4 and the first local control
unit 4.5 for the normal duration of a voltage interruption. The
energy storage device thereby prevents an interruption of the data
transmission and contributes to critical system stability. The
second energy storage device correspondingly supplies at least the
second coupling module 5.3 and the second local control unit 5.4
for the duration of the interruption.
[0159] According to the solution, data are not transmitted between
the central control unit 10 and an electrical consumer 4.3 and 5.2
exclusively via special data lines, but instead via a part of the
transmission path by means of electrical connections of the power
supply network (Power Line Communication, PLC). The two head
stations 3.1 and 3.2 are therefore not connected to the coupling
modules 4.1 and 5.1 of this network segment via special data lines,
but instead only via power lines of the on-board power supply
network through which AC current flows in the example embodiment.
It is also possible to use power lines for DC current. Since the
electrical connections that are used for the power supply are used
for the power supply and additionally for data transmission, the
need to install special data lines is avoided. This reduces the
cabling outlay and the number of required plug-in connectors and
sockets, since only one plug-in connector/socket combination needs
to be provided for power and for data.
[0160] In one design, the G3-PLC method is used which has been
standardized under the designation ITU-T G.9903. The frequency at
which data are transmitted via power connections is so low in the
example embodiment that an unwanted radiation of radio waves is
minimized and the data transmission rate is nevertheless
sufficiently high. It is preferably below 500 kHz. The data
transmission via the power connections is furthermore also carried
out according to a fieldbus standard. The transmission by means of
a fieldbus standard can likewise be used for data transmission by
means of special signal cables and for data transmission via power
cables of the power supply network.
[0161] FIG. 1 shows a circuit diagram for a section of the network,
wherein the section comprises a central control unit, two head
stations, two coupling modules and two consumer modules;
[0162] shows, by way of example, a plurality of hierarchically
arranged components of the data network, i.e.: [0163] the central
control unit 10 which, in the example embodiment, is responsible
for all network segments, [0164] the fieldbus master 11 which is
responsible for at least one network segment, [0165] the PLC
coordinator 16.1 of the currently active first head station 3.1,
[0166] the PLC client 14.1 of the first coupling module 4.4, [0167]
the fieldbus slave 15.1 of the first coupling module 4.4, [0168] a
first local control unit 4.5 which controls the drive mechanism 4.3
for the hatch 4.2 and belongs to the first consumer assembly 4.1,
[0169] the drive mechanism 4.3, and [0170] the hatch 4.2.
[0171] The central control unit 10 generates adjustment commands
for the controllable electrical consumers in order to e.g. open a
hatch or valve or activate or poll a sensor. Conversely, the
central control unit 10 receives status messages from consumers,
e.g. the setting of a hatch or valve, an acknowledgement from a
final control element or a sensor value. The central control unit
10 operates largely independently from the data transmission
methods that are used.
[0172] The fieldbus master 11 converts an instruction received from
the central control unit 10 into a fieldbus instruction and,
conversely, converts a received fieldbus message into a message to
the central control unit 10.
[0173] FIG. 1 shows a circuit diagram for a section of the network,
wherein the section comprises a central control unit, two head
stations, two coupling modules and two consumer modules;
[0174] shows, by way of example, how an instruction is transmitted
from the central control unit 10 to the local control unit 4.5 in
order to cause the drive mechanism 4.3 to move the hatch 4.2.
Conversely, a message is transmitted from the local control unit
4.5, e.g. the achieved setting of the hatch 4.2, to the central
control unit 10. FIG. 1 shows a circuit diagram for a section of
the network, wherein the section comprises a central control unit,
two head stations, two coupling modules and two consumer
modules;
[0175] shows the commands that are transmitted via a power line
with continuous lines, the commands that are transmitted via a
fieldbus data connection with dashed lines, and the commands that
are transmitted via a different data connection with dotted
lines.
[0176] More specifically, the following steps are carried out:
[0177] The central control unit 10 generates an instruction A.1
which specifies the network segment to be modified, the device to
be controlled (here the first consumer assembly 4.1) of this
network segment and the action to be performed (here: open or close
hatch 4.2). [0178] The central control unit 10 sends this
instruction A.1 onto the data bus and therefore onto the control
unit-fieldbus data connection 21.1. The fieldbus master 11
recognizes that the instruction A.1 is intended for "its" network
segment. [0179] The fieldbus master 11 generates a fieldbus
instruction A.2 in response to receiving the instruction A.1. This
fieldbus instruction A.2 contains an identifier of the device 4.2
to be controlled and an identifier of the action to be performed.
[0180] The fieldbus command A.2 is transmitted via the first
fieldbus-head station data connection 21.2 which is designed as a
fieldbus connection to the PLC coordinator 16.1. [0181] The PLC
coordinator 16.1 converts the received fieldbus instruction A.2
into a fieldbus instruction signal A.3 which can be transmitted via
the power supply network by means of PLC. The fieldbus command
signal A.3 is, for example, modulated onto the transmitted AC
current. [0182] The fieldbus instruction signal A.3 is transmitted
via the first head station-power line data connection 21.4, the
first part 20.1 of the power supply network and the first coupling
module-power line data connection 21.10 to the first PLC client
14.1 of the coupling module 4.4. These three connections 21.4,
20.1, 21.10 provide a continuous fieldbus connection, i.e. a
connection which is "transparent" to the fieldbus system. [0183]
The PLC client 14.1 reconstructs the fieldbus instruction A.2 once
more from the received fieldbus instruction signal A.3. [0184] The
reconstructed fieldbus instruction A.2 is transmitted via the first
coupling module-fieldbus data connection 21.6 which is arranged in
the first coupling module 4.4 from the first PLC client 14.1 to the
fieldbus slave 15.1. [0185] The fieldbus slave 15.1 reconstructs
the original instruction A.1 from the fieldbus instruction A.2 for
the local control unit 4.5. [0186] The reconstructed instruction
A.1 is transmitted via the first slave-consumer data connection
21.7 which is similarly arranged in the first coupling module 4.4
to the local control unit 4.5. [0187] The local control unit 4.5
generates a device-specific instruction A.4 depending on the
received instruction A.1 and controls the drive mechanism 4.3
according to the generated device-specific instruction A.4. [0188]
The controlled drive mechanism 4.3 adjusts the hatch 4.2. [0189] In
response, the drive mechanism 4.3 or a position sensor for the
hatch 4.2 generates a device-specific message M.4 in the form of a
device-specific status message or acknowledgement. [0190] The local
control unit 4.5 generates a message M.1 for the central control
unit 10 depending on the device-specific message M.4. [0191] This
message M.1 is transmitted via the first slave-consumer data
connection 21.7 to the first fieldbus slave 15.1. [0192] The first
fieldbus slave 15.1 generates a fieldbus message M.2 which
comprises an identifier of the control device 4.2 and an identifier
of the message from the message M.1. [0193] This fieldbus message
M.2 is transmitted via the first coupling module-fieldbus data
connection 21.6 to the PLC client 14.1. [0194] The PLC client 14.1
generates a fieldbus message signal M.3 which can be transmitted by
means of PLC via a power supply network from the received fieldbus
message M.2. This fieldbus message signal M.3 is transmitted via
the first coupling module-power line data connection 21.10, the
first part 20.1 of the power supply network and the first head
station-power line data connection 21.4 to the first PLC
coordinator 16.1. [0195] The first PLC coordinator 16.1
reconstructs the fieldbus message M.2 once more from the fieldbus
message signal M.3. [0196] The reconstructed fieldbus message M.2
is transmitted via the first fieldbus-head station data connection
21.2 from the first PLC coordinator 16.1 to the fieldbus master 11.
[0197] The fieldbus master 11 receives the fieldbus message M.2 and
reconstructs the original message M.1 from the fieldbus message
M.2. [0198] The reconstructed message M.1 is transmitted via the
control unit-fieldbus data connection 21.1 to the central control
unit 10.
[0199] As already explained, two redundant head stations 3.1, 3.2
are responsible for one network segment having a plurality of
controllable electrical consumers. Each head station 3.1, 3.2 is
capable on its own of performing the required steps for the network
segment. In one design, each head station 3.1, 3.2 in each case
comprises one PLC coordinator 16.1, 16.2 and, for each connected
electrical consumer--or more precisely: for each connected fieldbus
slave--in each case one PLC client 14.1, 14.2. The PLC coordinator
16.1, 16.2 is connected at least temporarily to each PLC client of
the network segment during fault-free operation. During the
initialization, each connected PLC client dials in to the PLC
coordinator 16.1 or 16.2 and thereby registers automatically so
that a data exchange is possible.
[0200] In one design, the PLC coordinator 16.1, 16.2 is subdivided
into a PLC control unit 12.1, 12.2 and a PLC modem 13.1, 13.2. The
PLC modem 13.1, 13.2 implements a chipset which provides basic data
transmission functions. The PLC control unit 12.1, 12.2 implements
all further functions and acts as a control unit for the PLC modem
13.1, 13.2.
[0201] FIG. 1 shows a circuit diagram for a section of the network,
wherein the section comprises a central control unit, two head
stations, two coupling modules and two consumer modules;
[0202] shows the data exchange which is carried out during the
initialization and during the operation of the PLC coordinator
16.1. The PLC control unit 12.1 is shown on the left, the PLC modem
13.1 on the right. The signals T.1 to T.4 are exchanged during the
initialization, the signal T.5 during ongoing operation, also
repeatedly if required. The signals have the following meaning:
[0203] The PLC control unit 12.1 transmits an activation signal T.1
to the PLC modem 13.1. The PLC modem 13.1 registers the activities
on the network segment (arrow CA--Channel Assessment), and the PLC
modem 13.1 transmits an acknowledgement signal T.2 to the PLC
control unit 12.1. [0204] The PLC control unit 12.1 transmits a
command signal T.3 to the PLC modem 13.1 so that the latter sets up
a Personal Area Network (PAN) with the fieldbus slaves of the
network segment. The PLC modem 13.1 then transmits signals to the
PLC clients which forward these signals to the fieldbus slaves. The
fieldbus slaves cause the PLC clients 14.1, 14.2 to register
automatically with the PLC modem 13.1. The PLC modem 13.1
establishes which PLC clients 14.1, 14.2 have registered with the
PLC modem 13.1. The PLC modem 13.1 transmits an acknowledgement
signal T.4 with identifiers of the registered PLC clients to the
PLC control unit 12.1. [0205] If required, or periodically at a
fixed rate, the PLC control unit 12.1 transmits a signal T.5 to the
PLC modem 13.1 during ongoing operation in order to query, modify
or otherwise manage at least one network parameter in a PLC client
14.1, 14.2.
[0206] The PLC control unit 12.1 receives a fieldbus command A.2
and converts it into a fieldbus command signal A.3 which can be
transmitted by means of PLC via a power connection. The PLC modem
13.1 transmits this to the specified PLC client 14.1, 14.2.
[0207] The PLC control unit 12.1, 12.2 periodically causes the PLC
modem 13.1, 13.2 to measure the activities in the PLC network of
the network segment. The PLC modem 13.1, 13.2 transmits status
messages to the PLC control unit 12.1, 12.2. If the PLC control
unit 12.1, 12.2 is not notified of any activity, the PLC control
unit 12.1, 12.2 initiates the attempt to set up a network once more
with the PLC clients of the network segment. Each PLC client
receives an activation command and the PLC modem registers the PLC
client in the PLC network.
[0208] FIG. 2 is a signal flow diagram illustrating the
transmission of an instruction from the central control unit to the
first consumer module and the transmission of a message from the
first consumer module to the central control unit;
[0209] shows a state transition diagram for the PLC components
which perform the data transmission for a network segment, having
the states described below. The diagram relates to two parallel
head stations 3.1, 3.2, each having one PLC coordinator 16.1, 16.2
and a plurality of PLC clients 14.1, 14.2. The following states are
attained: [0210] State Z.1 ("offline or device error"): Both PLC
coordinators 16.1, 16.2 and the PLC clients 14.1, 14.2 are
inactive, e.g. are switched off or have failed. Data transmission
is not possible. [0211] If the fieldbus system and at least one PLC
coordinator are operational, a transition to state Z.2 is possible
(transition U.1). [0212] State Z.2 ("Coordinator setup"): one PLC
coordinator 16.1, 16.2 is now being switched to the active state.
If both PLC coordinators 16.1 and 16.2 are operational, one PLC
coordinator 16.1, 16.2 is selected in accordance with a predefined
selection rule, e.g. depending on the previous usage period, its
own temperature or the ambient temperature or the position on board
the watercraft. If only one PLC coordinator is operational, this
PLC coordinator is selected. In the following example, the PLC
coordinator 16.1 is activated. The PLC clients are not yet
connected and data transmission is not possible. If both PLC
coordinators 16.1, 16.2 are not operational, a transition takes
place to state Z.1 (transition U.10). [0213] As soon as the only
operational or the selected PLC coordinator 16.1 is active and is
e.g. "booted up", a transition takes place to state Z.3 (transition
U.2). [0214] State Z.3 ("Client setup"): One PLC coordinator 16.1
is active. The PLC clients dial in to the PLC network. Data
communication is not yet possible. [0215] If the PLC clients have
dialed in successfully and the other PLC coordinator 16.2 is
similarly operational, i.e. is on standby, the method continues in
state Z.4 (transition U.3). [0216] If the PLC clients have dialed
in, but the other PLC coordinator 16.2 is not operational, the
method continues in state Z.5 (transition U.4). [0217] If the PLC
clients were unable to dial in, the method continues in state Z.6
(transition U.5). [0218] State Z.4 ("normal"): All PLC clients are
connected to the active PLC coordinator 16.1. The other PLC
coordinator 16.2 is operational and on standby. Data can be
exchanged between the fieldbus master 11 and each fieldbus slave
15.1, 15.2 of the network segment, in fact via the active PLC
coordinator 16.1 and the respective PLC client 14.1, 14.2. [0219]
State Z.5 ("at risk"): Since the inactive PLC coordinator 16.2 has
failed, redundancy is no longer provided. As long as the active PLC
coordinator 16.1 remains operational, data transmission is possible
as in state Z.4. If the active PLC coordinator 16.1 then also
fails, this network segment switches to state Z.1 (transition
U.11). [0220] State Z.6 ("Network fault"): The PLC clients cannot
dial in to the PLC network, even though at least one PLC
coordinator 16.1 is operational and active. The other PLC
coordinator 16.2 may have failed or may similarly be operational.
Data cannot be transmitted in state Z.6. [0221] The PLC network can
switch to state Z.7, i.e. if one PLC coordinator has failed and the
other PLC coordinator is operational. [0222] State Z.7 ("PLC
coordinators in transition"): In this state, the previously active
PLC coordinator 16.1 has failed (transition U.6 from state Z.4).
The other PLC coordinator 16.2 is operational and is now being
started (Setup). The PLC clients are not yet in the PLC network.
Data cannot be transmitted. [0223] As soon as the other PLC
coordinator 16.2 is active, the method continues in state Z.8
(transition U.7). If the other PLC coordinator 16.2 cannot be
activated, the method continues in state Z.1 (transition U.12).
[0224] State Z.8 ("Clients in transition"): In this state, the
operational PLC coordinator 16.2 is activated. The PLC clients dial
in to the PLC network that has now been formed. If this is
possible, the method continues in state Z.5, i.e. the failed PLC
coordinator 16.1 remains failed (transition U.8) or in state Z.4
(the failed PLC coordinator 16.1 becomes operational once more
(transition U.9). Data cannot yet be transmitted in state Z.8.
[0225] In the example embodiment, the two parallel head stations
3.1 and 3.2 operate autonomously, i.e. independently from commands
of a higher-level control unit 10. In one design, at least one
local control unit is assigned to the head stations 3.1 and 3.2. A
data connection exists, for example, between the same control unit
and both head stations 3.1 and 3.2. Alternatively, each head
station 3.1 and 3.2 has its own local control unit, preferably the
PLC control unit 12.1, 12.2 of the PLC coordinator 16.1, 16.2. Each
PLC control unit 12.1, 12.2 preferably has a data connection to the
other PLC control unit 12.2, 12.1 and is capable of establishing
whether the other head station and therefore the other PLC control
unit 12.2, 12.1 is operational and does or does not respond to a
query.
[0226] In both designs, the or each local control unit is capable
of establishing the states which are shown in the state transition
diagram from FIG. 2 is a signal flow diagram illustrating the
transmission of an instruction from the central control unit to the
first consumer module and the transmission of a message from the
first consumer module to the central control unit;
[0227] and is capable of effecting the indicated state transitions
automatically and without a higher-level controller. In one design,
each PLC control unit 12.1, 12.2 is capable of detecting the states
and effecting these state transitions independently from the other
PLC control unit 12.2, 12.1. As a result, in particular, following
a failure of one head station 4.1, the other head station 4.2
quickly takes over the tasks of the failed head station 4.1.
REFERENCE NUMBERS
TABLE-US-00001 [0228] 1.1, on-board voltage sources, supply the
consumer modules 4.1, 5.1 with AC 1.2 current and the central
control unit 10 and the data connection system devices with DC
current 2.1 first DC voltage converter, converts DC voltage from
the voltage source 1.2 2.2 second voltage converter, converts DC
voltage into AC current at 115 V/230 V and 60 Hz 2.3 third DC
voltage converter, converts DC voltage into DC voltage at 24 V 3.1.
3.2/parallel head stations, comprise one PLC coordinator 16.1, 16.2
having one PLC control unit 12.1, 12.2 and one PLC modem 13.1, 13.2
4.1 first consumer assembly, comprises the hatch 4.2, the drive
mechanism 4.3, the first coupling module 4.4 and the first local
control unit 4.5 4.2 hatch, belongs to the first consumer assembly
4.1 4.3 electrically driven drive mechanism for the hatch 4.2 4.4
coupling module of the first consumer assembly 4.1, comprises the
PLC control unit 12.1 and the PLC modem 13.1 4.5 local control unit
of the first consumer assembly 4.1, controls the drive mechanism
4.3 5.1 second consumer assembly, comprises the signal lamp 5.2,
the second coupling module 4.3 and the second local control unit
5.4 5.2 signal lamp, belongs to the second consumer assembly 4.2
5.3 coupling module of the second consumer assembly 4.2, comprises
the PLC control unit 12.2 and the PLC modem 13.2 10 central control
unit, responsible for a plurality of network segments, generates
the instruction Al, processes the message M.1 11 fieldbus master,
responsible for one network segment 12.1, PLC control unit of the
PLC coordinator 16.1, 12.2 16.2 of the head station 3.1, 3.2 13.1,
PLC modem of the PLC coordinator 16.1, 13.2 16.2 of the head
station 3.1, 3.2 14.1, PLC client of the coupling module 4.4, 5.3
14.2 15.1, fieldbus slave of the coupling module 4.4, 5.3 15.2
16.1, PLC coordinator of the head station 3.1, 3.2, comprises the
16.2 PLC control unit 12.1, 12.2 and the PLC modem 13.1, 13.2 20.1
first part of the power supply network, supplies electrical
consumers with 115 V/230 V and 60 Hz AC current 20.2 second part of
the power supply network, supplies the central control unit 10 and
data connection system devices with 24 V DC current 21.1 control
unit-fieldbus data connection, connects the central control unit 10
to the fieldbus master 11 21.2 first fieldbus-head station data
connection, connects the fieldbus master 11 to the first PLC
coordinator 16.1, designed as a fieldbus connection 21.3 second
fieldbus-head station data connection, connects the fieldbus master
11 to the second PLC coordinator 16.2, designed as a fieldbus
connection 21.4 first head station-power line data connection,
connects the first PLC coordinator 16.1 to the first part 20.1 of
the power supply network, designed as a fieldbus connection 21.5
second head station-power line data connection, connects the second
PLC coordinator 16.2 to the first part 20.1 of the power supply
network, designed as a fieldbus connection 21.6 first coupling
module-fieldbus data connection, connects the first PLC client 14.1
to the first fieldbus slave 15.1, designed as a fieldbus connection
21.7 first slave-consumer data connection, connects the first
fieldbus slave 15.1 to the first local control unit 4.5, designed
as a fieldbus connection 21.8 second coupling module-fieldbus data
connection, connects the second PLC client 14.2 to the second
fieldbus slave 15.2, designed as a fieldbus connection 21.9 second
slave-consumer data connection, connects the second fieldbus slave
15.2 to the second local control unit 5.4 21.10 first coupling
module-power line data connection, connects the first PLC client
14.1 to the first part 20.1 of the power supply network, designed
as a fieldbus connection 21.11 second coupling module-power line
data connection, connects the second PLC client 14.2 to the first
part 20.1 of the power supply network, designed as a fieldbus
connection A.1 instruction generated by the central control unit
10, specifies the network segment to be modified, the device to be
controlled (first consumer assembly 4.1) of this network segment
and the action to be performed (adjust hatch 4.2) A.2 fieldbus
instruction, generated by the fieldbus master 11 in response to
receiving the instruction A.1 A.3 fieldbus instruction signal which
can be transmitted by means of PLC via a power line, generated by
the PLC coordinator 16.1 in response to receiving the fieldbus
instruction A.2 A.4 device-specific instruction for the local
control unit 4.5, generated by the fieldbus slave 15.1 in response
to receiving the fieldbus instruction signal A.3 M.1
device-specific message in the form of a status message or
acknowledgement, generated by the local control unit 4.5 following
adjustment of the hatch 4.2 M.2 fieldbus message, generated by the
fieldbus slave 15.1 in response to receiving the message M.1 M.3
fieldbus message signal which can be transmitted by means of PLC
via a power line, generated by the PLC client 14.1 in response to
receiving the fieldbus message M.2 M.4 message for the central
control unit 10, generated by the fieldbus master 11 in response to
receiving the fieldbus message M.2 T.1 activation signal,
transmitted from the PLC control unit 12.1 to the PLC modem 13.1
T.2 acknowledgement signal, transmitted from the PLC modem 13.1 to
the PLC control unit 12.1 T.3 command signal, transmitted from the
PLC control unit 12.1 to the PLC modem 13.1 so that the latter sets
up a Personal Area Network (PAN) with the fieldbus slaves 15.1,
15.2 of the network segment T.4 acknowledgement signal, transmitted
from the PLC modem 13.1 to the PLC control unit 12.1, comprises
identifiers of the registered PLC clients 14.1, 14.2 T.5 signal,
transmitted from the PLC control unit 12.1 to the PLC modem 13.1 in
order to modify at least one network parameter in a PLC client
14.1, 14.2 Z.1 "offline or device fault" state: PLC coordinators
16.1, 16.2 and PLC clients 14.1, 14.2 inactive Z.2 "Coordinator
setup" state: One PLC coordinator 16.1, 16.2 is now being switched
to the active state. Z.3 "Client setup" state: One PLC coordinator
16.1 is active. The PLC clients dial in to the PLC network. Z.4
"normal" state: All PLC clients are connected to the active PLC
coordinator. The other PLC coordinator is operational and on
standby. Z.5 "at risk" state: active PLC coordinator operational,
inactive PLC coordinator failed Z.6 "Network fault" state: One PLC
coordinator is active. The PLC clients cannot dial in to the PLC
network. Z.7 "PLC coordinators in transition" state: the previously
active PLC coordinator has failed. The other PLC coordinator is
operational and is now being started. Z.8 "Clients in transition"
state: operational PLC coordinator is activated. The PLC clients
dial in to the PLC network.
* * * * *